I started using Mechanical Turk when I was separated from my family for training (this lasted a whopping six months). It was a welcome relief for something to do while I had down time, this coupled with no TV, and a very limited radio selection, really pushed me towards Mturk. Doing tasks which could break the monotony and engage my thought process, while at the same time allowing me to earn a few extra dollars to help meet my financial obligations, was well exhilarating. I looked for tasks which would allow me to do freelance writing, after that I started looking for tasks which would get my topics published on different websites. I really enjoyed this and continued to work towards this means as any aspiring writer knows, the more name recognition that you receive the more likely it is that others will seek you out. Since I rejoined my family I have had to cut back on the freelance writing, but have found other tasks which I enjoy just as much. I had made enough money to pay the rent on several occasions, and this was more than I had ever expected to happen. I have now moved into the “requestor” phase and actively post tasks for research that I am conducting for an advanced degree. I am going to continue to post requests even after I have finished with my current degree plan, simply because I enjoy using the system that has enabled me to accomplish so much.